Prayer circle participants stand in front of a sign placed close by the proposed location of a shelter for the homeless on N. Railroad Avenue in Espanola which state, “No! To Addict Shelter Here”. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

More then 60 people gathered Tuesday evening in the parking lot of the Rio Grande Sun on N. Railroad Avenue in Espanola with their hands joined to listen to prayers offered before walking across the street to the proposed site for the Espanola Pathways Shelter located across the street. The group was joined by community leaders including Rep. Joseph Sanchez, Mayor Javier Sanchez, Rio Arriba County Commissioner James Martinez and Espanola City Council member John Ricci as well as people from throughout the area. The announcement for the event stated, “We would like to gather in peace and harmony to conduct a formal blessing, prayer of guidance and healing over the proposed property, building and especially for the need”. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com